Dental Assistant Salary in Houma, LA: $39,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Houma, LA earns a median $39,059/year (≈ $18.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Houma's price level (15% below national, BEA RPP 85.1), that paycheck buys what $45,896 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.0% below the Louisiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houma, Louisiana, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in 2026 is $39,059, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national median of $49,579. The salary range for these professionals spans from $31,447 at the 10th percentile to $49,445 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the variability based on experience and specialization. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected forward, highlights the local market dynamics for dental assistants. Those specializing in oral surgery and orthodontics can expect to command higher wages, which contributes significantly to the overall earning potential in the Houma area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,447 | $15.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,667 | $18.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,059 | $18.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,537 | $22.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,445 | $23.77 |
Median Salary Position
21.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houma
In Houma, LA, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,998 (2026 est.). At $39,059, the local median is 21.22% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Houma Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Houma median: $39,059/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $45,418 | -14.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -21.22% less |
Dental Assistants in Houma, LA earn a median of $39,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.22% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 14.00% below the Louisiana state average of $45,418.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houma has a cost of living 14.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houma, LA has a cost-of-living index of 85.103 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $39,059 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,896 in an average-cost city — an effective 17.5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,700
2025 BLS Actual
$37,870
2026 Current Est.
$39,059
2019–2027 Growth
+27.1%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houma metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.5% from $31,700 (2019) to $37,870 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,586 (27.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $31,447 – $37,667 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,667 – $39,059 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,059 – $47,537 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,537 – $49,445 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Houma
The job market for dental assistants in Houma shows a healthy employment level, with around 210 individuals currently in the field. Given the cost of living index of 85.103, which is below the national average, take-home pay for dental assistants has more purchasing power in Houma compared to many other regions. Employers such as specialty periodontal practices or orthodontic clinics often provide the highest compensation. The disparities in salaries can be attributed to various factors, including specialty areas, certifications like the EFDA, and roles that blend responsibilities, such as treatment coordinators. Additionally, with the ongoing growth of DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, dental assistants have opportunities to leverage standardized training and pay structures to maximize their earning potential. Staying informed about expanded function authority and continuously pursuing certifications can greatly enhance pay prospects in the Houma market.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Houma?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $37,870 for dental assistantsin the Houma metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov